Performance

As one reviewer
puts it, the InStyler is basically an "extreme curling iron." Simply pass
a lock of hair between a bristle-lined clasp and a rotating, heated barrel to
either curl or straighten your hair.

The InStyler works almost as well in real
life as it does in the infomercial -- at least for most owners. Users say this
device does a good job of both curling and straightening hair, though there's a
bit of a learning curve involved. A couple of TV news reporters get largely
positive results in their tests -- with a few dissenting opinions. On top of
all that, there's video evidence: several YouTube video reviews demonstrate its
straightening and curling prowess.

Ease of use

We did find a few
complaints about the InStyler. Several reviewers and owners say that the unit
is somewhat awkward to use and that they burned themselves when first using it.
It is also a bit on the noisy side, at least compared to other curling or flat
irons. A few women say the InStyler isn't any faster than other hairstyling
devices. Others warn that the size of the roller does not allow users to place
it close to their heads. Some short-haired owners even burned themselves
attempting to straighten their roots.

Customer Service

On
the customer-service side of things, some consumers report the InStyler
infomercial -- which advertises a 30-day trial for only $14.99 -- conceals the
fact you have to buy two InStylers at a time for $140 once the trial expires.
Numerous users found they were billed the full amount before the 30-day trial
ended and had to haggle with customer service for a refund. Lauren Keith, who
tested the product for KFVS 12 media outlet with a friend, was able to avoid
the extra charges: "I was vigilant in shipping the products back in the
middle of that free trial period and calling several times to double check I
would not be charged in full." We suggest purchasing the InStyler in a
brick-and-mortar store with a reputable return policy and where you may limit
your purchase to only one.

Almost 400 customers of the online beauty-product
retailer Ulta.com leave feedback on the InStyler. They give it 3.5 out of 5
stars, and 66 percent would recommend it to a friend. Ulta requires users to
list pros, cons and best uses and to post a comment with a bottom-line
statement. Users' experience with beauty products is also displayed.

MakeupAlley.com is a website for user reviews
of beauty products. Additionally, there are discussion boards for contributors
to discuss other topics. The InStyler garners 3.8 stars out of a possible 5
from 106 users. Contributors must select age, eye color and skin and hair type.

Anchor
Lauren Keith asks test subject Missy O'Kelly to describe her experience with
the InStyler. The product works as advertised, she says, and O'Kelly is
impressed by the volume it creates. However, both O'Kelly and Keith take issue
with the $14.99 free trial (which can easily balloon to more than $140 if you
don't send back your two InStylers promptly).

This
short review of the InStyler explains how it works and recommends it because it
both straightens the hair and curls the ends, while leaving the roots full of
volume. While the author actually tested the device, she does not compare it to
other models.

In
this post on her website, Joi Ennis recaps her previous video review and
demonstration of the InStyler. Overall, she likes the InStyler for her own
hair, but says it probably wouldn't work well for people with very curly or
kinky hair because you cannot reach close enough to the roots with the device
to straighten it there. She also likes that her hair does not smell burnt after
she uses the InStyler.

This
blogger reports that the InStyler works, but says it requires practice not to
burn yourself. She offers tips for learning how to use it and says it is a "little
on the loud side." Almost 100 comments, many from other InStyler owners,
offer additional perspective.

In
this post, a blogger recounts the time she borrowed her hairstylist's InStyler.
Although she finds the InStyler to be heavy and difficult to position at first,
she is completely thrilled with the product after using it. Regardless of how
much this blogger loves the InStyler, she has yet to purchase one for herself
-- she says the price is way too steep.

These listings are administered, sorted and maintained by Google. For
information about these Google ads, go to adwords.google.com.

Google may place or recognize a unique "cookie" on your Web browser.
Information from this cookie may be used by Google to help provide
advertisers with more targeted advertising opportunities. For more
information about Google's privacy policy, including how to opt out, go
to www.google.com/ads/preferences.

By clicking on Sponsored Links you will leave ConsumerSearch.com. The web site you will go to is not endorsed by ConsumerSearch.